The Saints are set to benefit from an elite edge rusher being traded

The New Orleans Saints lucked out on Monday, when the Carolina Panthers decided to trade edge defender Brian Burns out of the NFC South. Burns was shipped off to the New York Giants for a 2024 second-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick. This is huge for the Saints as they no longer have to face the two-time Pro Bowl player twice a year. 

In his career, Burns has 46 total sacks in 80 games played. It has been rare to find Burns not on the field; he has played in 80 of the 83 possible games in his career. Burns has been able to stay healthy and incredibly productive on the field. In recent years, Burns was among the few bright spots in the Carolina Panthers.

Burns played the Saints eight times in his five seasons in Carolina. Despite the Panthers having a 2-6 record in those games, Brian Burns recorded four sacks, 19 tackles, four for a loss, eight quarterback hits, and one forced fumble in those eight meetings. Now, New Orleans no longer has to worry about seeing him twice a year.

Brian Burns traded out of NFC South

Unfortunately for the Saints, Brian Burns was sent to the Giants, which is still in the NFC. Additionally, the Saints are set to face off against the Giants in the 2024 season, so they will still have to go against Burns. Even though New Orleans still has to go against him next year, not having to face him twice every year will be a relief.

The Saints not only lucked out with Burns being traded out of the NFC South but also that the Carolina Panthers didn’t get incredible compensation for the former Pro Bowler. While the rest of the division may be heating up, the Panthers look like they will continue to struggle for at least a couple of more seasons.

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